Today
in Wilmington
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Good morning, Wilmington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 13th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lifeguards at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area have deployed mobile lifeguard units for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend after last summer’s tragic incident, and they will begin duty at 9 a.m. The initiative brings lifesaving support closer to swimmers with enhanced training planned beforehand. WECT
- ➤ Sunset Beach police responded on Monday, May 11 to a call about a 15-foot alligator in a roadway and safely relocated the 400-pound animal during peak mating season (May through June), reminding residents not to approach alligators and to call 911 if they spot a threat. WECT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Target held a preview event on May 12 at its 128,000 sqft store at 5623 Carolina Beach Road in the Village at Myrtle Grove. The event featured free Chick-fil-A food, games, and Bullseye appearances and will add an estimated 140 jobs, with the grand opening set for Sunday, May 17. Wilmington Star-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Future Islands returns to Wilmington for a two-night, 20th-anniversary homecoming at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16. The band will preview new album tracks before its album drops May 22. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Residents can explore 18 events in Wilmington this weekend, from musicals and festivals at Thalian Hall and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church to concerts at The Eagle’s Dare and Greenfield Lake Amphitheater. Event schedules run from May 14 to May 17 as the summer season approaches. Wilmington Star-News
- ➤ Battleship North Carolina will host a program titled (In the Shadow of Goliath: Blockade Runners of the Lower Cape Fear) on May 19 at 6 p.m. to explore Wilmington’s Civil War shipwreck history and the fate of 33 local vessels; Stephen Atkinson will lead the discussion. WWAY
- ➤ White Lake’s annual Water Festival (48th year) will kick off on Friday, May 15 and offers a packed weekend of music, food, and family events (at the lake). WECT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Leland resident You Zhu won a $100K top prize on a $30 scratch-off bought at Walmart on New Pointe Boulevard and visited lottery headquarters Monday to claim her winnings—after tax withholdings she kept $72,018. The Cash Payday game launched in March still offers 68 available prizes. Port City Daily
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Cape Fear Community College will launch a new Biotechnology-Bioprocess Manufacturing Associate of Applied Science program this fall. The program will offer classroom instruction and hands-on laboratory training to ready students for careers in biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing in Wilmington. WWAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Endowment will hold its semiannual public meeting and board listening session on Wednesday, June 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Minnie Evans Performing Arts Center, where residents can learn updates from the Board of Directors and ask questions live + by email. FOX Wilmington
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John Crist Live Performance
7-10 p.m. — Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College — Tickets vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with one of today’s fastest-rising stand-up comedians.
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Benny Hill Jazz Quartet Concert
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Music on Market — Free entry — Enjoy an electrifying performance by the acclaimed Benny Hill Jazz Quartet featuring vibrant saxophone improvisations.
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Earth with Wind & Fire Concert
8:30-11:30 p.m. — Live Oak Bank Pavilion — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful rhythms of Earth, Wind & Fire at this lively outdoor concert.
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Coastal Entrepreneurship Awards
6-9 p.m. — UNCW Burney Center — Recognizing local innovation — Celebrate emerging and established businesses in the Cape Fear region.
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Jelly Roll Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Live Oak Bank Pavilion — Ticket prices may apply — Experience the soulful sounds of rising star Ethan Burdick live in Wilmington.
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Modest Mouse Concert
6:00 – 7:30 PM — Greenfield Lake Amphitheater — Cost info not provided — Experience the indie rock legend Modest Mouse as they take the stage in Wilmington.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.
~ Pablo Picasso
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